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What Are Percocets? An Overview of What They Are and Helpful Warnings

Medically reviewed by Dr. Po-Chang HsuFebruary 24, 2025
Written by
On February 24, 2025

Table of Contents

Key Points

  • Percocet combines oxycodone and acetaminophen to treat moderate to severe pain, typically prescribed after surgery or injury.
  • The medication works by blocking pain signals and reducing fever, but it does not have anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly prescribed for dental procedures, fractures, and back injuries.
  • Primary effects include pain reduction, euphoric sensations, mental state changes, and physical responses like slowed breathing and drowsiness.
  • Side effects range from digestive and cognitive issues to respiratory changes and blood pressure variations, requiring careful medical monitoring.
  • Compared to other opioids, Percocet is unique for its dual-action formula. Oxycodone, its primary opioid component, is considered to have a potency similar to or slightly higher than oral morphine, but it is typically prescribed for shorter durations.
  • The medication carries significant risk for abuse and dependency, with both prescription and illegal use contributing to broader opioid crisis concerns.

Percocet is a prescription pain medication that combines oxycodone, an opioid painkiller, with acetaminophen. Doctors prescribe this powerful drug to manage moderate to severe pain, typically following surgery or injury. While effective for short-term pain relief, Percocet requires careful monitoring and considered use due to its high potential for dependence and serious side effects.

What Are Percocets Used For?

Percocet plays a vital role in managing acute pain conditions that don’t respond well to over-the-counter medications.[1] The combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen works together to block pain signals in the brain while reducing fever and inflammation throughout the body. Common scenarios for Percocet prescriptions include recovery from major dental procedures, bone fractures, and severe back injuries.

The medication’s dual-action approach makes it effective for managing acute pain. However, it is not typically used for breakthrough pain, which is more commonly managed with immediate-release opioids designed specifically for that purpose. Physicians often prescribe Percocet when patients experience pain that interferes with daily activities, sleep, or rehabilitation efforts.[2] The medication can help people fully participate in physical therapy and maintain necessary movement during recovery.

Healthcare teams carefully evaluate each case before prescribing Percocet, considering factors like pain severity, medical history, and potential risk factors. The duration of treatment typically ranges from three to seven days for acute conditions, though some circumstances may require longer periods under close supervision.[3] Pain specialists and primary care doctors work together to determine appropriate dosing schedules and monitor patient response throughout treatment.

What Are the Primary Effects of Percocet Use?

Percocet produces several distinct effects on the body and mind due to its opioid and acetaminophen components:[4]

  • Pain reduction: The opioid component blocks pain signals to the brain, providing significant relief from moderate to severe physical discomfort.
  • Euphoric sensation: Many people experience a sense of well-being and relaxation due to how oxycodone interacts with the brain’s reward system.
  • Mental state changes: Drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating often occur as the medication affects cognitive function.
  • Physical responses: Common physical effects include slowed breathing, decreased blood pressure, and constipation.
  • Fever reduction: The acetaminophen component helps lower body temperature when fever is present.
  • Drowsiness: Most people experience significant fatigue and sleepiness, especially during the first few hours after taking the medication.
  • Anxiety reduction: Many people report feeling calmer and less anxious, though this effect isn’t the primary purpose of the medication.

Do Percocets Have Side Effects?

Percocet, like all prescription medications, can cause various side effects that range from mild to severe:[5]

  • Common digestive issues: Constipation, nausea, and vomiting frequently occur, with constipation being particularly persistent throughout treatment.
  • Cognitive effects: Mental fog, difficulty concentrating, and occasional confusion can impact daily activities and decision-making abilities.
  • Sleep disruptions: Changes in sleep patterns, including excessive drowsiness during the day and potential insomnia at night.
  • Physical reactions: Itching, sweating, and headaches may develop, particularly during the first few days of treatment.
  • Mood alterations: Mood shifts, including irritability or unexplained anxiety, can affect daily interactions.
  • Respiratory changes: Slowed breathing rates require monitoring, which can become dangerous if too pronounced.
  • Urinary complications: Difficulty urinating or changes in urination patterns might occur while taking the medication.
  • Blood pressure variations: Some people experience changes in blood pressure, which physicians monitor during treatment.

How Do Percocets Compare to Other Opioids?

Percocet is unique among opioid medications due to its combination formula of oxycodone and acetaminophen. While other opioids like hydrocodone (Vicodin), morphine, or codeine work solely as opioid pain relievers, Percocet’s dual-action approach addresses pain through multiple mechanisms.

When compared to morphine, Percocet’s oxycodone component is considered more potent by oral administration.[6] However, it’s generally prescribed for shorter durations than medications like fentanyl patches or extended-release morphine, which are often used for chronic pain conditions. The addition of acetaminophen in Percocet enhances its pain-relieving properties while potentially reducing the amount of oxycodone needed for effective pain control.

Unlike medications such as tramadol, which has both opioid and antidepressant-like properties, Percocet works primarily through opioid receptor activation and inflammation reduction.[7] Its acetaminophen component also sets it apart from pure opioids like oxycodone alone (OxyContin) or hydromorphone (Dilaudid). However, this combination also means that patients must carefully monitor their total daily acetaminophen intake to avoid liver complications.

Regarding duration of action, Percocet typically provides pain relief for four to six hours, similar to immediate-release hydrocodone products, but shorter than extended-release formulations such as OxyContin or extended-release morphine.[8] Each opioid medication has its risk profile, and Percocet’s potential for dependence is considered significant, comparable to other oxycodone-containing products.

Do People Abuse Percocet?

Percocet abuse has become a significant concern in the medical community and society at large. People may begin taking Percocet legitimately for pain but develop tolerance and dependence, leading them to take higher doses than prescribed or continue use after their prescription ends. Others may seek out Percocet illegally for its euphoric effects, often crushing and snorting the pills or combining them with other substances to enhance the high.

Because Percocet contains oxycodone, it carries similar risks to other prescription opioids, including severe physical dependence and potential overdose. The acetaminophen component adds another layer of danger, as excessive amounts can cause severe liver damage or failure. These risks increase substantially when people obtain Percocet through illegal channels, as counterfeit pills may contain unknown substances or dangerous amounts of stronger opioids.

How to Get Help

Know that help is available and recovery is possible from opioid addiction. Many treatment options exist, from medical support for safe withdrawal to comprehensive rehabilitation programs that address both physical dependency and underlying causes. 

Speak with your healthcare provider honestly about your concerns. They can help create a safe tapering plan and recommend appropriate treatment options. This might include medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which can help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

Consider reaching out to loved ones you trust. Support from family and friends often plays a crucial role in successful recovery. You don’t have to face this challenge alone.

Treatment options for drug addiction include:

  • Inpatient rehabilitation programs
  • Outpatient treatment centers
  • Individual counseling and therapy
  • Support groups and peer recovery programs
  • Medical detoxification services

 

Each person’s journey through treatment and recovery will vary based on their experience, needs, and goals. Each client who admits to a treatment program will receive a fully individualized treatment program that addresses their unique needs and sets them up for success.  

Medical Content Writer

Amanda Stevens is a highly respected figure in the field of medical content writing, with a specific focus on eating disorders and addiction treatment. Amanda earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Purdue University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, which serves as a strong educational foundation for her contributions.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Percocet

Percocet is a potent prescription opioid and can interact dangerously with many medications and supplements. The oxycodone component affects opioid receptors in the central nervous system, while acetaminophen (Tylenol) provides additional pain relief. Combining Percocet with other medications can lead to severe side effects, including respiratory depression and low blood pressure. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements you’re taking.

Combining alcohol with Percocet creates a life-threatening risk of respiratory depression, sedation, and liver damage. The DEA classifies Percocet as Schedule II due to its high potential for substance abuse. Mixing alcohol with this prescription drug can also increase lightheadedness and affect heart rate.

Both medications treat severe pain, but Percocet contains oxycodone as its active analgesic, while Vicodin uses hydrocodone. Both are combined with acetaminophen tablets for enhanced pain management. Percocet often shows stronger effects due to oxycodone’s potency, requiring careful monitoring for signs of physical dependence.

Stopping Percocet requires medical supervision due to opioid withdrawal symptoms. Treatment programs, including inpatient care at a treatment center, can help manage cravings and withdrawal. Healthcare providers develop personalized treatment options that may include naloxone availability and careful monitoring of breathing rate.

Seek immediate medical attention for shallow breathing, health problems, or signs of Percocet overdose. Common Percocet side effects include constipation, drowsiness, and pain management issues. For substance use disorder or Percocet addiction treatment, contact specialized treatment centers that address both physical dependence and mental health concerns.

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[1] Enforcement Reports. (n.d.). Www.accessdata.fda.gov. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2006/040330s015 on January 28, 2025

[2] Mayo Clinic. (2019). Oxycodone and acetaminophen (oral route) description and brand names – mayo clinic. Mayoclinic.org. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/oxycodone-and-acetaminophen-oral-route/description/drg-20074000 on January 28, 2025

[3] Dowell, D., Haegerich, T. M., & Chou, R. (2019). CDC guideline for prescribing opioids for chronic pain. MMWR. Recommendations and Reports, 65(1), 1–49. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/rr/rr6501e1.htm on January 28, 2025

[4] Enforcement Reports. (n.d.). Www.accessdata.fda.gov. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2006/040330s015 on January 28, 2025

[5] Drugs.com. (2019). Percocet. Drugs.com; Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/percocet.html on January 28, 2025

[6] Oxycodone – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. (2019). Sciencedirect.com. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/oxycodone on January 28, 2025

[7] Dhaliwal, A., & Gupta, M. (2023, July 24). Physiology, Opioid Receptor. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546642/ on January 28, 2025

[8] Cofano, S., & Yellon, R. (2022, October 24). Hydrocodone. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537288/ on January 28, 2025

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